Vol. 79, No. 42
VISIT GOSPORT ONLINE: www.gosportpensacola.com
October 23, 2015
Navy COOL launches new website From Center for Information Dominance Public Affairs
Navy Credentialing Opportunities On-line (COOL), a program providing Sailors a way to take the skills they have learned on the job and translate them into civilian credentials, introduced a new website Oct. 16. “We’ve made things easier to read, easier to find, and easier to u s e , whether you’re at your desk or on your phone,” said Keith Boring, Navy COOL program manager. “We know today’s Sailors look for information in different ways, and we want to make sure that information about this very important program is accessible to them, wherever they are
and however they are connected online.” Navy COOL helps Sailors find information on certifications and licenses related to their jobs and can even provide funding to pay for credential exams and maintenance fees. The website upgrades include a responsive design that adapts to the device a Sailor chooses to use to explore the site, whether on a desktop, tablet or phone. Interactive credential tables also give Sailors more tools when looking at credentials related to their rate, designator or collateral duty. Applying filters and sorting and searching by key words help create customized, printable lists. “We reorganized the
NASCARʼs Kyle Busch onboard NAS Pensacola... (Above) NASCAR racer Kyle Busch (right), driver of the No. 18 Toyota Camry, chats with NAS Pensacola MWR Director Kerry Shanaghan at the base’s Portside Entertainment Complex during a question-and-answer session Oct. 15. Busch was onboard the base along with representatives of Talladega Superspeedway for a meet-and-greet session. Busch signed autographs, answered questions from service members and met with NASP CO Capt. Keith Hoskins and XO Cmdr. Shawn Dominguez (left) during the base visit. Photos by Mike O’Connor
See COOL on page 2
Pensacolians who served in Vietnam battle to speak Oct. 29 From Marine Corps League, J.R. Spears Detachment 066
Three men who served in Vietnam will discuss a legendary battle during the final installment of the 2015 Heroes Among Us speaker series. The event is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. Oct. 29 at Veterans Memorial Park at Ninth Avenue and Bayfront Parkway.
The three men who served at U.S. Marines – Sgt. Sonny Campbell, a scout/sniper; 1st Lt. Dan Smithson, an H-34 pilot; and Sgt. Donnie Kimball, a rifleman – will recount their experiences at the Khe Sanh Marine base. In 1967-1968, the Marine base was isolated and underwent relentless attack. It withstood assaults for five months and 18 days, enduring
constant ground, artillery, mortar and rocket fire from North Vietnamese forces. Eventually, more U.S. military were able to reach the base by an overland route and force the North Vietnamese to retreat. American forces subsequently tore down the base to prevent similar attacks in the future. Water and light food will be provided; people should bring their own chairs or blankets.
See Heroes on page 2
Vietnam documentary to air on WEBY From WEBY 1330 AM
A 10-hour tribute program to Armed Forces Vietnam Network (AFVN) will air on WEBY 1330 AM Radio in prime time Oct. 26-30. An encore presentation will air in its entirety on Veterans Day (Nov. 11) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. “AFVN: The GI’s Companion, A Tribute to Our Vietnam Veterans” is an exclusive radio presentation of the American Forces Vietnam Network from the 1960s Marine Sgt. Harry Simons
See WEBY on page 2
Drive-through flu vaccinations at NHP From Naval Hospital Pensacola
Naval Hospital Pensacola (NHP) will be hosting its annual Drive-Through Flu Vaccine Clinic Oct. 31, from 8 a.m. to noon, for all TRICARE beneficiaries. The vaccine will be free, but is only available for TRICARE beneficiaries. The drive-thru will be conducted at NHP, which is located at 6000 West Highway 98. Bring a government ID card and a list
of current medications. The hospital will be using an injectable or flu mist vaccine for ages 6 months and older. This year, the high dose vaccine will also be available for beneficiaries 65 and older. Beneficiaries using the drive-thru will be able to remain in their car to receive the vaccine, but will be requested to park in a nearby lot for 15 minutes
See Flu on page 2
Hispanic Heritage Month observed at NASP ... NAS Pensacola Executive Officer Cmdr. Shawn Dominguez speaks during a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration Oct. 14 in front of the command headquarters, the Walter LeRoy Richardson Building (Bldg, 1500). ACC (AW/SW) Gavrilla Brooks (left) served as mistress of ceremonies. The event also featured informational displays and samples of Hispanic cuisine. Photo by Janet Thomas
Halloween treats include events at NASP By Janet Thomas Gosport Staff Writer
The pumpkins are out and Halloween fun can be found around every corner. There are also a few spooky events on the schedule at Naval Air Station Pensacola (NASP). Here are the details: • Haunting Fall Festival: NASP’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department will get into the spirit of things from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. tomorrow, Oct. 24, at Blue Angel Recreation Park. The event will feature haunted hay rides, face painting, costume contests and more. Admission is free for all eligible MWR patrons and guests. For more information, call 4536286. • Haunted Lighthouse: The Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, 2081 Radford Blvd., will turn into a haunted lighthouse from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. today, Oct. 23, and
See Events on page 2
Published by Ballinger Publishing, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Navy. Opinions contained herein are not official expressions of the Department of the Navy nor do the advertisements constitute Department of the Navy, NAS Pensacola or Ballinger Publishing’s endorsement of products or services advertised.